How to remove PC Cleaner (Virus Removal Guide)
What is PC Cleaner?
PC Cleaner by Monterix Software, LLC, also searched for as PC Cleaner virus is recognized as malware and a potentially unwanted program by numerous antivirus engines. PC Cleaner utilizes unethical marketing practices in order to promote itself. For example, the software uses deceptive, misleading, and dishonest advertisements that may claim a computer is infected with malware and viruses in order to trick users into downloading the program. Other advertisements may claim that PC Cleaner is something it is not.
Once PC Cleaner is installed it will automatically scan the system for viruses and malware, potentially unwanted programs, system registry issues, error reports, junk and temp files, and cache files. The results will usually indicate that the system is infected with malware or that there are numerous system registry issues and junk files on the device.
In order to fix the issues found by PC Cleaner, a user must register the program and pay for a 6 month, 12 months, or 24-month plan. It is advised to avoid handing your personal information over to this business as they have a long history of unethical behavior and abuse of human rights.
PC Cleaner is self-promoted as “an ultimate tool which protects your PC from viruses, malware, and potentially unwanted programs.” However, that’s the cast. PC Cleaner and other software bolstered by Monterix is considered dangerous due to unethical marketing and the collection and abuse of personal data.
Is PC Cleaner safe?
According to Google’s VirusTotal analyzation tool, PC Cleaner is detected by numerous antivirus engines as a potentially unwanted program, computer virus, and malware and is, therefore, considered unsafe. VirusTotal confirms that PC Cleaner has a medium-high detection rate when it comes to being detected by antivirus software and the rate is projected to rise as more samples are available. Antivirus engines such as DrWeb, Sophols ML, and GData recognize files associated with the program as threats and will quarantine and remove them in real-time.
To make matters worse, PC Cleaner may introduce other malware, adware, spyware, and potentially unwanted programs to a computer. It may also bundle with third-party threats. This means that if a user finds PC Cleaner on their machine without their consent or knowledge it is likely that other malicious programs are present.
Other malware and potentially unwanted programs that download along with put personal information and computer functionality at risk. They can typically collect personal data such as user-submitted information including credit card information, full names, email addresses, home address, and more. This information can then be shared and sold to third-parties which can result in unwanted email spam, junk mail at home, and phone calls from telemarketers and scammers.
This is a list of symptoms that may occur if this program is installed:
- Pop-up advertisements
- Unwanted notifications
- Browser redirects
- Poor computer performance and functionality
- Computer crashes
How to remove PC Cleaner (Virus Removal Guide)
Like most programs, PC Cleaner can be uninstalled from Add/Remove Programs; However, manually uninstalling the unwanted program through the Windows control panel will not entirely remove the program or other malware, adware, and trace files from an infected computer. Since this is the case we recommend to scan the infected machine using reputable antivirus tools.
Security software such as Malwarebytes and HitmanPro will automatically remove PC Cleaner without the need to manually uninstall the program through the control panel.
Step 1: Use Malwarebytes to remove PC Cleaner and other malware
Step 2: Use HitmanPro to perform a second-opinion scan
Step 3: Use CCleaner to clean up Windows registry and repair settings
Step 4: Uninstall PC Cleaner from Windows
Step 1: Use Malwarebytes to remove PC Cleaner and other malware
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware software will detect, quarantine, and remove PC Cleaner, malware, viruses, and other threats from your computer.
Why should you buy the premium version?
Malwarebytes Premium has real-time protection that automatically protects your computer and other devices from viruses, spyware, and malware. With Malwarebytes Premium you can stay ahead and safely browse the web with confidence.
2. Double click the executable file or icon, such as mb3-setup-1878.1878-3.7.1.2839.exe to begin installing the program.
3. When you have installed Malwarebytes, click the Scan Now button to begin scanning your computer.
4. When the scan is complete, click the Quarantine Selected button to remove all threats detected by Malwarebytes.
Step 2: Use HitmanPro to perform a second-opinion scan
HitmanPro will remove remaining trace files, malware, and files used for tracking and data collection.
1. Download HitmanPro. Fill out the information on their website and download the executable file.
Why should you buy the full version?
HitmanPro is a little different than your usual security program. It goes beyond simply removing viruses, it completely eradicates all traces and remnants of the infection. HitmanPro is also designed to run alongside your Antivirus program which makes it a match up great with Malwarebytes Premium.
2. Double click the executable file or icon, such as HitmanPro.exe to begin installing the program.
3. When you have installed HitmanPro, click the Next button to begin scanning your computer.
4. When the scan is complete, click the Next button to remove all threats detected by HitmanPro.
Step 3: Use CCleaner to clean up Windows registry and repair settings
CCleaner will clean up Windows registry and repair settings that may have changed during the infection.
Why should you buy the professional version?
CCleaner Professional has the power of real-time automation, so your computer always stays clean, safe, and fast. CCleaner Pro bundles privacy protection, system cleaning, and more with outstanding customer service.
2. Double click the executable file or icon, such as ccsetup556.exe to begin installing the program.
3. When you have installed CCleaner, click the Analyze button to begin analyzing your system.
4. Once analyzation is complete, click the Run Cleaner button to clean your system.
5. Now, let’s run through the Tools section; Go to Tools.
6. Uninstall: Is there a program you missed uninstalling before? CCleaner can often show you programs that are hidden from the Control panel.
7. Software Updater: Are there any programs to update? Make sure to keep the programs on your computer up-to-date to avoid issues with security vulnerabilities.
8. Startup: Go through the Windows, Scheduled Tasks, and Context Menu tabs. Are there any suspicious startup keys enabled? If so, highlight them with your mouse and click the Delete button to remove them.
9. Browser Plugins: Go through the tabs for each browser installed on your computer. Are there any suspicious plugins installed? If so, highlight them with your mouse and click the Delete button to remove them.
10. Finally, let’s clean up the registry. Get out of the Tools area and go to Registry.
11. Click the Scan for Issues button and follow the instructions.
12. Once the registry scan is complete click the Fix selected Issues… button and follow the instructions to fill all the selected issues found in your computer’s registry.
Step 4: Uninstall PC Cleaner from Windows
Check if PC Cleaner was removed from your computer (it should be). If not, the program can be manually uninstalled through Windows control panel.
1. Right-click the Start menu.
2. Click to Apps and Features.
3. Click PC Cleaner and an Uninstall button will appear. Click the Uninstall button.
